Uncle Andre’s BBQ Chicken Endures in Studio City

Uncle Andre’s BBQ has been located within shouting distance of the 101 Freeway since 1991, but many drivers who blaze past may not know about the Studio City institution. Uncle Andre’s BBQ only has enough room for four black tables, so many customers grab food to go.

The strip mall space features red walls lined with autographed headshots from celebrities like Martin Lawrence, Usher and Whoopi Goldberg. Decor also includes framed jerseys from San Diego Chargers football legends Shawne Merriman and LaDainian Tomlinson.

Marcus Meade has led the charge at this neighborhood favorite for about two decades, carrying on the original vision from his late uncle Andre Smith and mother, Linda. The duo has serious Southern food bonafides, with their grandmother being from Dallas and their grandfather growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Popular dishes include baby back ribs, fried chicken or catfish, and Friday gumbo.

Still, BBQ chicken rules the roost. Marcus is cagey about the recipe, which results in lacquered birds with crispy, char-grilled skin. He did reveal that each order is dry-rubbed, marinated with well-balanced, house-made sauce, “slow-cooked and a lot of love,” and finished on the grill.

Each plate comes with a choice of two sides. I’d highly recommend peppery red beans and rice and collard greens, both fully vegetarian and powerfully flavorful. BBQ chicken is available by the quarter- or half-chicken. Limit yourself to a quarter-chicken, and you'll regret it.

Charlie’s Pantry in Studio City quietly closed a few weeks ago in Studio City and is quickly being replaced with Comoncy, a fast-casual breakfast/lunch eatery from the owners of Coral Tree, The Red Room and the recently opened Baltaire steakhouse in Brentwood. This will be the third location, following Beverly Hills and Scottsdale. It is scheduled to open […]